Exceptionally dry weather across summer and a blisteringly hot January, have not deterred some fantastic success with native revegetation planting around Burrumbuttock.
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Last year nearly 10,000 native trees and shrubs were planted around Burrumbuttock as part of the Squirrel Glider Local Area Management Plan Project, delivered by Petaurus Education Group Inc in partnership with West Hume Landcare, Wirraminna Environmental Education Centre, NSW Office of Environment and Heritage, Murray Local Land Services and Greater Hume Shire.
Conditions for growth in the plants' first summer were as hostile as they come but project officer Lou Bull reported that despite the challenges, most sites have had at least 90-95 per cent survival rates and others approximately 80 per cent.
"I was relieved and so happy. In fact, some sites had pioneer plants such as silver wattle growing taller than me!"
"There have been some critical components that, in my opinion, have created the success," said Lou.
"Ground preparation (deep ripping) prior to planting allowed the limited moisture that fell to penetrate the soil profile and roots will grow down in search for it.
"In addition, if possible, rotary hoeing the rip lines where they were lumpy improved root to soil contact.
"Spraying of annual weeds along planting lines is also important, especially in more favourable seasons, to help reduce competition but this year that was definitely not an issue!"
Holbrook Landcare's Kylie Durant added that another key to success in tough seasons was to have healthy plants planted straight after arrival from the nurseries, so they are at their freshest and most vigorous.
"We are connecting habitat by planting trees in corridors," says participant farmer Sue Sanders.
The new planting will connect native vegetation corridors and woodlands across Burrumbuttock.
These corridors allow squirrel gliders to move around in search of food, shelter and also possible mates without going on the ground.
I was relieved and so happy. In fact, some sites had pioneer plants such as silver wattle growing taller than me! There have been some critical components that, in my opinion, have created the success.
- Lou Bull
This helps keep them safe from predators.
Squirrel gliders can glide for an average of 30 metres depending on the height of the take-off point and the clearance between trees.
Ensuring there are enough suitable corridors is vital to breeding success and to ensuring the future of Burrumbuttock's squirrel glider population.
The Squirrel Glider Local Area Management Plan Project Project is being undertaken with funding from the Australian Government's National Landcare Program, Catchment Action NSW and also the NSW Environment Trust.
- Contributed by the Holbrook Landcare Network